I deeply apologize for the terrible delay and it has been a while since the last update. I am super sorry everyone, forgive me… I don't have to repeat myself but I have been occupied with too many things, Christmas and New Year and etc.
Well, I hope it wasn't too late of me to wish everyone a Happy Christmas and New Year! It's terribly late but still I have to say my part and hope you guys spent splendid holidays!
And THANK YOU so much for the REVIEWS! They were awesome as always and lovely!
Reply to Review(s):
Sakura407: Thanks so much dear! I so appreciate your comments and enthusiasm, one word; lovely! It gave me a huge kick and it sent me driving away with an idea for the ending. Thank you for sweetening it!
And I hope you'll enjoy the ending coming soon enough and hope it will be to your liking!
Once more, thank you! Have a splendid new year and all the best! Hope to see your comments again! Ciao!
Off and away with the new chapter! Enjoy!
SUNNY DAYS!
(Sweet Seventy)
Seven…Love Me Like You Do
(From the previous chapter: Sasuke's Point of View)
.
I don't know how long will it take. But.
If my feelings got through you, would you do me a favour?
Turn around.
Face me. Properly say your thoughts.
Because.
I don't understand them completely if you keep staying silent; making me guess and making me think what I think it is.
If you'd just tell me that you love me that is…
It would do me great favour: Stop me from sobbing my eyes out for they hurt so much from all the tears shed from my shattered heart.
I am a greedy man.
Despite I have Sakura-chan; the love of my life that should be enough to make me the happiest yet I am not a simple man everyone thought I am.
Uncl…Father…
You should know me better, right?
I don't know what to say or how to express myself with vivid lines with my lips when I am the boy who knew how to stop and stare. Hesitate to the things I admire. Hide to cry softly on my own. So please…
Could you not make it as difficult?
I am crying.
And I don't think I'll ever change.
So could you not change as well?
Comfort me like you always do.
Listen to my pleas. Spoil me.
.
Sakura watched.
Like a patient woman she watched without attempting to interrupt the moment between the two men. She watched her husband cried and Uncle Brown…she couldn't see his tears but…
She was confident that they both cried along in this moment of hesitance.
What would turn out in the end?
She sighed innerly in silence; she may seem to be unaffected but in truth her emotions were thickening and she wished to rush over to plea as well. It wasn't appropriate to do so unfortunately. Not today.
Sasuke continued to cling onto Uncle Brown; wordlessly sobbing and hoping that his selfish tears could convince the man. Very selfish, yes. It was the only thing that the raven could think of. But he prayed…
He prayed for a miracle. He prayed that Uncle Brown had a change of heart.
"Sasuke…"
He jerked at the loud echoing call from leaning against the elderly man's back and he stared at Uncle Brown as soon as he turned around. Sasuke wanted to smile, express how happy he was at the man's reaction; he got Uncle Brown to look at him. It was a sign of hope.
He thought it was.
Moreover, seeing the traces of tears that lined the bottom of those wrinkled eyes, it was true that his feelings got through the elderly man. Sasuke was carelessly overjoyed and he got mislead when Uncle Brown gently caressed his head with a smile then said,
"I love you, my boy. But, I've decided to stay here."
Wha…What was that…?
It wasn't just the Uchiha who stunned at his feet. Sakura could sit to wait no more and hurried over. Being silent was annoying and being powerless was killing.
"Uncle Brown. I'm sorry. I'm sorry for betraying you. I just wanted us to live together and I don't want Sasuke-kun to be sad. I—"
Her speech was hasty and messy and she didn't managed finish when the man wrapped his open arms around both his youthful family before him. She was brought into utter speechlessness, not to mention her husband next to her grew mute.
Uncle Brown hugged his children as he buried his head between the two; giving his all into this final moment and giving his all not to shed anymore tears. Sakura heard his efforts; breathing heavily, gritting his teeth silently all for the reason of wanting to be a proud man.
He's a silly old man, wasn't he?
Sakura thought and casually stole a glance at the male next to her. He just stood without another expression on his face in the sense of being defeated.
He cried.
From the inside that boy…
He was completely out of the real world as if he had turned numb and lost the ability to think but weep.
It was terrible.
A terrible sight to Sakura and it became a scene she could not bear to watch another second longer before her tears just…came. It wasn't influence; Sakura had tears rolling down her cheeks when she could be as powerless; unable to alter anything.
All that she had done was actually nothing.
Meaningless.
She was useless…
"I'm…sorry…," she apologized softly in tears.
The only word that she could think of when there was no other suitable word that could express her dismay. It was her fault to cause everyone more grief than it might have been.
She began to wonder if it was better off to stay silent after all. However, she couldn't do that. It was against the conscience towards her husband. She tried to be of help…never thought it would make him fall into greater sorrow.
"Don't be, my dear."
No matter, Uncle Brown, always the kindest man.
He didn't blame her or got angry when she broke her promise to him. Moreover, he even lovingly kissed her forehead. She was loved as his family.
This is…
The End.
Sakura failed to withhold her tears either; it's sad to part. This unhappy moment reminded her of the past, how she stayed by her mom's side during the last. Right now, it felt as hard as how it was.
It was a heartbreaking conclusion, she knew.
She felt her shoulders weigh from the stiffening atmosphere, moreover, the building guilt from her conscience. How she wanted to console the Uchiha male when she was too afraid to touch him even as he stood there silently; without a word, without a soul despite he breathes.
Is he thinking anything now?
Say it Sasuke-kun.
If he could just say something perhaps she could do something for him…
But.
It was no use.
Because.
The only person who could ever pull him back into life…is Uncle Brown; the man who made his world alive. What about her? What was she in his world then?
"Ah! Mr Brown! There you are. I was getting worried when I couldn't see you around when I was expecting you earlier."
A man, the doctor; he came rushing over. His facial expression was seen to have lingering effects that he was worried and he panted from hasty actions.
Uncle Brown greeted and apologized with a chuckle before he briefly introduced Sasuke. Expectedly, the young Uchiha merely smiled a little without speaking further. It was understandable that he wasn't in the mood for anything after all that emotional turnabout earlier.
He just listened and paid no attention to the conversation between the elderly man and the doctor when his mind was close to blank. His eyes were simply elsewhere and sometimes stole glances at Uncle Brown whenever he chuckled. He had an irritable twitch on his face behind that expressionless cover.
"Haha! I look forward to working in the fields soon."
Uncle Brown's statement only made the raven male grew repulsive and walked away.
"Sasuke-kun!" The rosette quickly chased after her leaving husband.
This is bad.
She had to do something besides staying silent, Sakura thought.
"Sasuke-kun! Wait!" she desperately tailed him. "You can't just leave like this. Uncle Bro—"
"He is a selfish old man, Sakura!"
The pinkette jerked when she didn't expect him to turn around with vicious eyes gnawing at her as he snarled. She stunned for that moment and petrified she stared at him. She was aware of him gritting his teeth behind pressed lips before he proceeded leaving.
It's too late to call him now.
Sasuke wouldn't listen to reason when his mind was too occupied with discontent.
Sakura only followed without a sound.
She carefully followed the raven that paced further, faster than her short feet could take her any quicker and that it began to hurt from the strain. He didn't wait for her. Not once did he slowed down his paces instead he gradually swift into the distance, leaving her further behind.
Taking a peek over her shoulder, she noticed that they had completely left the village. The entrance was no longer visible; shrouded by thickened bushes and trees. It was a secluded place after all and she could not suppress the uneasy guilt that drew over;
She knew that Uncle Brown was watching them leave; watching Sasuke leave without a word of 'goodbye'. She could imagine how heart wrecking it would feel.
But it it's Uncle Brown, he would understand and he would nod his head and he would even smile to himself and…he would forgive the boy.
Sasuke knew.
Because they both knew how to care for each other, they…tend to get hurt.
Sakura stared at the Uchiha who chose to look out of the window than show his face to anyone else.
They got onto a convenient ride as soon as they got to the bus stop and right now here they sat patiently, quietly next to each other with an inch of a distance between their skins; they sat wordlessly.
Again, the pinkette glanced at her husband on her right; the male remained facing into the outside world, wandering mindlessly. The way he rested his chin on top of his palm and how those blades of morning sunlight beamed through the vehicle's windows and how it created shadows which exhibited his every line of slenderness.
The curve of his jawbone down to his stretched neck due to his turned motion and his collarbone that peeked out from his shirt. She studied him long enough like an art on display and during this moment, he was beautiful. His troubled expression was beautifully shimmering under the golden rays of the early sun despite it was an inappropriate time to be admiring so, she couldn't help it.
How she wished she could do something to help him when there was nothing. She felt a fearful feeling when she wanted to touch him; her desire retracted and mindfully maintained the gap between their arms ensuring that they were individually spared with space.
Sasuke-kun needed some time of his own, she believed.
When she was satisfied at her decision, she tore her gaze of her husband and stared at her own feet. Compared to hers, he owned a large pair of feet. No, it was hers which were small. Her hands as well…
They were…so different.
Another of those unworthy thoughts that came haunting again, she smirked innerly but before it could develop into something far menacing, she felt a hand. It startled her but she was assured the next second; his large hand which envelops hers was warm and gentle despite the squeezing pressure.
It was 'sorry'.
It wasn't the coolest way to express it but he was in the mood to tell her in this fashion. Those words must be too heavy for him to personally say it perhaps he didn't know how and he didn't care what it was for when it was for everything that he had done.
She smiled to herself, thinking; he was long forgiven before he could even ask for it. Then she directed her attention towards him.
He wasn't looking.
Sasuke was as ever, he faced the sky outside. It was an act to hide away his leaking emotions. It was obvious. She could slightly see the tip of his reddened nose and watched his heavy swallowing. Moreover, he was doing his best to stay as quiet, avoid audible sniffles and wept alone.
Oh Sasuke-kun…
'If you could just express yourself with words better…,' her heart sighed.
Sakura rested her head against the arm of her partner.
Her cheek felt the heat from his skin through the thin fabric of his long sleeved shirt. It was comfortable compared to the weather that has begun to step further into the coldness where winter will be upon them very soon.
Soon…everything will be blanketed in freezing whiteness and then there will be Christmas again this year and New Year's. The streets will once again be decorated with twinkling coloured lights and glittering ornaments to welcome the holidays. Everywhere will be bustling with joyous emotions.
It was so close.
Yet.
Things just have to end up in another way. It's just all…dull.
Was it?
The rosette snuggled closer and lightly placed a kiss on her husband's arm without his notice or so he did. She felt him move and later she felt a weight on her head; Sasuke helped himself without her permission so that he could collect himself.
Aside from feeling burdened she felt instantaneously happy; she was needed. And a small smile crept its way to the edge of her lips. It was something small and big at the same time and it made the journey back home warmer.
Maybe things would be better in time.
So she thought it was…
BROWN'S PAN-YA
"Sasuke!"
"Sakura-chan!"
It's Kiba.
The returning couple shouldn't be too surprise at his appearance when he would usually arrive early to start working with the ovens not when he was behaving exceptionally restless when he burst out of the shop desperately calling out to them.
He was no less panting as he tried to convey his message confusingly that the other two couldn't decipher. However, there was no need for further explanation when the couple understood what the Inuzuka meant the moment they caught a glimpse of Laila and the Lady Uchiha.
Sasuke's mother…
The young pinkette clamped up at the presence of that dignified woman standing there in the shop, obviously in waiting. No doubt, she felt her heart in turn took nervousness. If she could, she would avoid this meeting. Sasuke already made attempts to enter Brown's along with her.
In no time, both mother and son were exchanging eye contacts at the beginning of their confrontation. They were like copies of one another except for their distinguished genders.
Both were ebony
Both were onyxes.
Black.
They maintained their unspoken staring until the lady Uchiha initiated a pleasant smile especially meant for her son. She could portray a wonderful mother solely for her child and she could be unforgiving toward those that she was displeased at.
Sakura was not spared from a deep glare and hints of harbored hatred.
Mikoto wore a plain expression when she faced the petite female she looked inferior at then stared at how the couple held each other hand-in-hand; it made her grew a disgusted frown then smirked,
"You're pretty unashamed of your doings, Miss Haruno," a remark directed towards the Haruno female.
"What are you doing here."
It wasn't a question; Sasuke defended his petite rosette without thinking twice. Harsh, he cared less. He stared at the dark haired woman he thought as an enemy.
"I don't blame you Sasuke. For being angry, for bearing hatred towards me, I was at fault for not being by your side since you were a child," said Mikoto holding her chest. "But one thing is for sure is that I've never abandoned you."
She clarified, tried her best to convey her innermost message of sincerity. Hoping that she could gain some lost trust from her beloved son. She knew…it was too late. Looking at the expression of the raven male held visibly was proof that history was just as hard to alter.
"Stop it."
Sasuke monotonously demanded.
And everything sunk into silence.
It was a time of standstill where every sound seems to fade into the brooding atmosphere which eats. Everyone was just as stoned, silently darting their eyes uneasily; no doubt their conversation was far from the end, however, no one seem to know which words to choose to begin the next phrase.
"Stop it, Sasuke-kun."
Laila.
She had confidence brimming in her eyes as she stepped up to speak her piece; prepared to speak on behalf of the woman she took favour with. Looking at the state of things, it's as if there were two sides of a fierce battle.
"I understand that you've yet to have any gentleness towards this person but she will always be your mother. The one who brought you alive; you were able to breathe and grow to love Sakura-chan was all because of this person!"
Nobody responded.
"Don't you feel lucky to be able to reunite with her, Sasuke-kun?" Laila continued, she couldn't just let it all end swept away by the silence and looked into the raven's dark eyes as she spoke.
True. She raised true words. However,
He tightened the grip around Sakura's hand, he straightforwardly stared into Mikoto's identical onyxes and she didn't waver to stare back in return. Unexpectedly, the young Uchiha uttered in an audible whisper.
"Why are you forcing me?"
Cruel words.
"I said I didn't have a mother, didn't I?"
Sasuke-kun…
Don't.
That, Sakura couldn't predict; she instantaneously turned to her husband with astonished emeralds. Despite who she saw was the same man, however, he didn't sound the same. She had no idea that there exists a heartless side of Sasuke when he felt like being therefore she was taken aback. Moreover, his words were like razors directed towards his mother.
Served her right?
She admitted that she wasn't too fond of Mikoto from their recent encounter but she couldn't help to feel for the woman. Although the Uchiha lady didn't display her true emotions outwardly, it was obvious that she was deeply wounded.
Laila unintentionally let out an audible gasp. Kiba as well was startled,
"Oi, Sasuke!" he directly shook the raven's arm and Sasuke annoyed, rejected his touch.
"I don't care if you were to come back for me now or earlier. It made no difference. Sorry to say but…I don't feel it," Sasuke blinked as he spoke with honesty. "So…don't force me…"
And squeezed the small hand in his grasp.
He was decisive when he stared straight into the eyes of Mikoto. Her deepened frown proved she was unsatisfied with such a conclusion and by all means she had no intention to give in.
From her son, she turned her gazes at the petite female next to him and directed a glare. It was out of sheer rage with breeding hatred. Sakura swallowed silently in nervousness.
"Vixen!" the Lady Uchiha cried out angrily with her teeth snarling sharply.
The rosette suppressed her startled expression to become evident. She wouldn't want to lose any pride in this but she was definitely more nervous now from the way those vicious dark orbs which sliced through her and that it made her mind went blank for that instant.
Mikoto was seriously outraged and the little female was blamed for her failure.
The sound of her clacking high heels were rhythmically menacing at every inching step she made closer while keeping her eyes fixated at the little female; she glared intensely, her long ebony hair only made her appear frightful the more.
Sakura's heart galloped; she was afraid to the point she didn't realize holding her breath as she tried to stay unaffected by maintaining her confidence when in truth it was collapsing. She couldn't be more afraid than this.
"What have you done to my son?!" with a death glare, Mikoto spelled words in whispering hatred.
"I—"
"Our matter is between us so don't involve my wife. She's got nothing to do with it!"
Sasuke quickly hid the petite rosette behind him and confronted his mother instead. Sakura gave up defending herself when she was about to; her husband's broad back was all she saw and his hand that completely wrapped hers. She was sheltered.
It felt hurtful.
"Nothing?" said Mikoto almost laughing. "True. But I think she hasn't been as honest with you, Sasuke."
"Don't spew nonsense."
"I hate this. I hate the sort of person whose heart has intentions to severe ties between other people for their own selfishness! Haruno Sakura, you vixen!" Mikoto raised her voice.
"Stop it!" Sasuke snarled. "I forbid you to sully my wife and a stranger to you!"
"Oh, we've met alright. Didn't we, Miss Haruno?" confidently.
Sasuke held his tongue and peeked over at the small female he hid behind him. He had expectant eyes directed at the pinkette; he would believe in her words only if she said it. He completely believed in her.
And that hurts. Conscience daunts.
Without further hesitance, Sakura timidly nodded.
"We met."
Reserved, she admitted in past tense.
It wasn't the end when it was just the beginning. Sasuke's eyes were widely staring at hers with listening ears that would not miss a word she speaks and she had never planned to tell him under this fashion. Not in this way at all.
Perhaps she never wanted him to know. But since it has come to this; looking into the depths of his engulfing onyxes were urging her to speak truth. And again, it was conscience.
She cannot not tell him.
"We talked," she avoided his gaze at the end of her pause.
Sasuke patiently waited slightly bent towards his wife. His eyes were seen searching in hers with anticipation.
"Tell him!" Mikoto responsively said loudly. "Tell him, Miss Haruno!"
Sakura turned to the woman who was almost smiling triumphantly as though she was on a winning case. Tell Sasuke? The rosette was curious to know as well. How would Sasuke react or say when he knows about their conversation.
But.
It would be a cruel act. She didn't want to severe him.
But.
Another side of her wished to test him. It was bad of her.
"Sakura-ch—"
"A divorce."
Flashed her bright green eyes at him, she articulated in crisp words, direct. It was a jaw-hanging confession; Kiba did, Sasuke…his lips were apart until he recalled pulling his senses together, he closed them, pressed them, took his time to find the words to respond while he didn't take a glance away from his wife's.
She wasn't lying, he read.
"We discussed about a divorce…you and I…," he head her timid voice.
She wasn't lying again.
"Sakura-chan, you don't have say like SHE wanted you—"
"It was ME." Sakura cut him short before her voice shrunk. "Not her."
She decided; it was no longer a test. She thought about it carefully. Let's make lies real.
"How could you do that?" he retained his gentleness in speech towards her but she intended to be cruel to him.
"Because I do what I want," and her strict manner was convincing.
Sasuke sighed in defeat then said,
"You're lying."
Oh, Sasuke-kun. If she could hold him right now, she would have kissed him for being the most wonderful man. He didn't believe her and she was happy at his confidence.
If…
If she weren't Haruno, she would have become a better wife.
She wouldn't have robbed away his family name and she could be an Uchiha instead, proudly too. She would have given him a better home, a family perhaps not the perfect one but one that she pictured with children and a pet as well. Like the ones in dramas.
It was an envious chapter of life she could NEVER have!
She ruined part of his life; spent him waiting and kept him waiting even after they found the chance to tie their knots which has no meaning but a symbol of matrimony unity. She thought it all worked out…
She thought it did…but not.
Because of the fact; they were happy. They loved each other. They said they wouldn't care about any others if it was only the two of them. He only wanted her, needed her…
Those were his truths and her sweet delusion.
All this while, she was lying to herself despite the love she gave was genuine. They can NEVER have a family.
That's THE real thing.
She thought about it very deeply.
Her love for him; she love him, present tense. She truly did fell for the boy in him. If she could be born normal like Laila; tall and normal and just a normal girl not a Haruno…perhaps she would be more suited.
Sasuke deserved better.
She thought of it really thoroughly during the hours of the night.
Whatever Sasori talked about reaching out to her happiness, fighting for it, not giving up? It made her smile at heart, bitterly. Those were lies as well…
Mikoto was right: Don't be selfish.
So…this shall be it.
"No, YOU WERE lying!"
Abruptly, the rosette raised her voice. Fiercely she frowned and yanked the raven's hand from hers.
It's time to put on a show.
"I know." She clenched her teeth. "Whatever you've done, I know!"
The Uciha male was slightly taken aback from the pinkette's sudden change of behavior; she shot daggers at him out of his confusion. He could not understand her mood swing; he watched her retreat backwards while she glared.
"What have I done?!" he retorted.
"Don't fake it! Whatever was with Laila, I know!"
Ah. So that was what it was about. Sasuke finally realized that his rosette was still upset about the matter. It wasn't too long ago, the incident that she happened to caught Laila in their room.
So that was what it was…
He was instantly silent then nodded regretfully.
She watched him with a pique of surprise.
This isn't encouraging. To tell him in this fashion wasn't her idea at all from the start, it was an opening, a chance. But she didn't mean to hurt him. Especially when he was willing to take the blame of her fabricated lies so that he could heal the misunderstanding that remained attached. He thought it was the reason that kept them apart.
It wasn't!
She did not bear any grudge against him. It was just an excuse.
Don't, Sasuke-kun, don't bow down…
And when he lifted his head, he turned to her with softened eyes,
"If I hadn't said sorry as much as I should have, I'll say it now," then an appropriate pause. "That after…forgive me, Sakura-chan."
Begging; much to her surprise, she wasn't sure of her ears but indeed it was a statement she heard right. The fact that Sasuke simply submitted himself to her blame cringe her heart tightly and when he saw him lower himself, went down on his knees her heart shrunk painfully. She backed away and began to tremble.
She never thought of this; she never thought the raven would quit fighting for himself like he would. He strictly told her he would not be sorry for anything he hadn't done. He wasn't contradicting himself but at the fact that he loves her.
He did because she wanted him to.
It was stupid.
She was too.
At the sight of his meekly behavior, she couldn't be more in love. But. BUT. Sauske-kun,
He should be with someone better after all…so…
Don't.
"I'm sorry." Sasuke began.
Please don't.
"I'm sorry."
Don't…
"I'm sorry."
Don't!
"I'm sorry."
Don't Sasuke-kun!
"I'm sorry."
"Listen, Sasuke-kun. I had enough! No matter how much you'll apologize, I'll NEVER forgive you!"
She stomped her feet, clenched her fists; she began to hate herself for all this.
"I'm sorry."
He just wouldn't stop begging and it became the source of her hesitation. It was too late to turn back now…
"I was busy with work! While I was, you were having quite the time with her and in our room!"
"I'm sorry."
"You pathetic, sickly man!"
Lies.
"I'm sorry."
"I am giving up on you, Uchiha Sasuke."
More lies.
Sakura felt the numbing sensation at her teeth spewing untruthful words and she gritted them while taking steps backwards when the raven began advancing towards her direction; tried to hold her. He did not stop apologizing in spite the countless times he would say it.
He was the sweetest man.
"I'm sorry."
"Stop it!"
"I'm sorry."
"Stop it!"
"I'm sorry."
"STOP IT!"
"I'm sorry."
"Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Stop it! Uchiha!" Sakura shrieked to her peak. "I hate you! I hate you to the very core! Forever!"
At last, the raven stopped. He stared. Softly with his eyes that grew dim not dulled, he swallowed to clear his voice and said,
Not loudly, not softly either. It was perfectly audible,
"I'm sorry…but I love you…"
It was her defeat.
It was everyone's defeat.
Who would have thought the raven male would be persistent. The atmosphere swayed to his emotions that were rich, tender and filled; an ultimate.
At the same time, Mikoto stood speechlessly still. For how long was she given into silence? Perhaps it was some time ago. It was for real she had no words to enable interference; it could not be interfered. THAT something that she saw was wordlessly indescribable but felt. It was…something she realized she had lost long before she even created a stir.
The atmosphere was completely changed. The air was light and sweet and the room was bright. Everything…everything was…just nothing…
There was a momentary absence of sound. Everything sounded nothing. Muted. Paused. Temporary. As if everything had waited just to witness the couple's immeasurable feelings of mutualism. Not said. Not told.
It was intangibly felt.
Like the brush of a wind that passed in an interval.
Like a flash of surprise.
It was That sort of feeling that was so enormous to be able to capture it completely. It couldn't.
She, the rosette, was utterly defeated even if she were to put up a fight she knew there was a surrendering side of her that she could not suppress. How she came to love this man was for a reason and how she could retain a heart for him was also for a reason. It was a solid reason of a reasonless reason.
There was no reason at all.
She simply fell in love, that's it.
And lastly,
"I hate you…," she muttered in cracked voice and she watched him nod responsively.
"I know…"
He dared himself to look into the pinkette's eyes piercingly and permit himself to immerse in her emeralds that went darting in all other places avoiding him.
"I really hate you…really…," she repeated and he as well nodded to it.
"Sakura, the last thing I remember telling you…are telling lies."
That voice.
It wasn't just the rosette who froze at the unexpected speech moreover from whom it belonged to. It wasn't a hallucination indeed it was her grandfather in the flesh!
The elderly man stepped into the shop unsoundly; he welcomed himself from the front door that was carelessly left wide open. He was composed and expressionless; he walked with his back straight and his head held high, he retained good posture despite his age. Additionally, his expensive garments that made him look exquisite had him wear an air of superiority.
Simultaneously, Mikoto wore a bit of expression on her face. It was a reaction as though she could instantly recognize the identity the man who entered and at a disliking rate too. Her lower lip hung apart where she had yet to find the right words to speak up other than to stare at him with a deepening frown.
Sakura frowned as well. She was as well curious about the possible relationship between Mikoto and her grandfather when he stepped up towards the Lady Uchiha without any hesitation then said,
"Quit all that frowning, it'll ruin your beautiful features," said the elderly Haruno. "Everlasting as ever."
Slightly astounded at her grandfather's flirty speech that she never heard of, Sakura stayed alert not wanting to miss a single moment of their conversation. Moreover, it does seem that both parties had a history of severed acquaintanceship. Mikoto endlessly glared at the elderly man before her who had a small smirk.
"A detestable figure you are," the Uchiha snarled to the Haruno's pleasure. "As ever."
"And naïve as ever, Uchiha-san," the Haruno man said in husky tonality.
"I need you not to judge me. Anyone except you, Haruno."
After an interval of a pause, Sakura was confident that she heard him right her grandfather whom she feared most would actually allow a sigh to escape him. It wasn't loud and she observed his shoulders which slumped heavily from the act. Her grandfather…does seem to be rather acquainted with Mikoto that he somehow displayed familiarity towards her.
His eyes were a little softer from his everlasting coldness that was instilled inside of them. It was surprisingly different at this moment; there were…feelings.
"You never change, Mikoto…"
Indeed. There was actually something between them despite how much the Haruno elder would whisper softly, it was audible. It was tender.
"Don't address me by my name with your filthy mouth as filthy as your hands are!"
Sakura watched her grandfather clamp up in silence once again, he did nothing but stare at the woman.
"Give it a rest to what you're trying to achieve, Mikoto." He returned to his cold demeanor with a choice of a firmed voice. "What had happened in the past may be regretful and it was between us."
Then a pause,
"Shouldn't we as parents avoid burdening our children?"
Sakura could say nothing. Nothing at all.
She wasn't confident to assure herself that she had just took part in reality; it was all too real to listen to. Like an imagination, a dream; was that man actually her grandfather and that same person she met? He was unexpectedly different.
Because the man she knew was the coldest, emotionless and expressionless man who had lived. For him to be here was almost impossible, moreover, he was here speaking words that was never meant for such a person like him.
"I need not for you to reason with me. I know what I am doing and I am doing it for my family! I would do anything for my family! And I never resort to such methods, never if it wasn't for a Haruno!"
Mikoto stomped her feet and gritted her teeth behind her lips before she began yelling at the Haruno man.
"Hateful Harunos! You swallowed the Uchihas, betrayed us and left us to survive the downfall. It was the lowest point in our lives and the Uchiha family was in shambles! Because of you we lost so much including my sons!"
And she continued, glaring her utmost detest.
"From the point of your betrayal, we struggled and struggled and struggled we learnt our lesson and got back to our feet by the time everything got back together, it was so late…" Mikoto swallowed hard, emotionally.
"Many, many…many years it was. And I thought I had completely lost my sons until I was able to meet Itachi by fate's allowance. It was sad…so pitiful. Then Sasuke…"
Her words hung along with her jaw that made her lips part slightly as she turned to stare in an empty space past the Haruno male and far off behind him. It was her expression of disbelief and unexpectedness of her momentary sentence which she was about to continue.
"I was horrified."
She uttered them in monotone of a whisper with eyes that were petrified into the distance and she ripped herself from that temporary daze then flashed her onyxes that breathed dread.
"I never wanted to believe that my son would actually marry a Haruno!" almost screaming. "I never thought I would see my son's marriage widely broadcasted all over the media and with a retarded LITTLE GIRL!"
Mikoto was yelling in terrified condition of disbelief. She could not accept the fact about her son and she began screaming,
"Out of millions, why a Haruno?!" she loudly yelled while clutching her heart. "Why Haruno, Sasuke?!"
Watching her was mentally painful. Sakura pitied her. The rosette could at least understand a little of that woman's anguish who could almost cry her heart out. There wasn't an ounce of forgiveness she would spare; she couldn't. Hatred has gone beyond her patience and means to pardon the Harunos.
It would be the same for anyone else if they were in her shoes, Sakura thought. It was understandable. Mikoto certainly had her share of suffering as well not only Sasuke himself. And Itachi. The Uchihas should deserve a fair share of the better days.
"Indeed, why Uchiha…"
Sakura's short pink brows inverted at the beginning of her grandfather's speech. He muttered them in plain vocals with a hint of regret as well. He was after all the person who objected the marriage between hers and Sasuke's. He strictly opposed of it, however, not to the end. Her grandfather must have been aware of Sasuke's identity despite he did not resurrect history but only with his insistence of making her as his heir.
Granddaddy, what was he thinking back then?
Sakura would like to know.
"I thought of the same: Out of so many men…why this boy?"
It was clarified; granddaddy knew.
"Why…him? I asked myself many times after I found out whom my grandchild fell for. It's the child of an old acquaintance." He said in little senile behavior of an elderly. "To think fate could actually be this…round…"
Then chuckled lightly at the end. Mikoto as well chuckled at his claim. It was true.
"And I despise it." The Lady Uchiha growled. "You think I would sit silently allowing it to take its course? I've got no time to waste being philosophical as you're becoming senile, Haruno."
She had her point and it piqued Sakura's curiosity. She had never seen this part of her grandfather and never knew he had. But if he had, why, why wouldn't he be a warmer person sooner?
Perhaps it was…a sudden change of heart. It was unexplainable; she admitted her incapability to understand that elderly man. Right now, she knew one thing; he was doing his best for her as a parent.
"What I was trying to say is…give up, Mikoto."
A real parent.
"Despite how much I disagree to their marriage but…come to think of it, I am rather old. How long can I continue to live fighting for my own selfishness? My wife died early, my son and I are in stranger's terms and my granddaughter…," he held for a while then uttered.
"What was the reason I began objecting other people again? Ah, yes, The family name." He displayed a one sided smirk of amusement towards his own sarcasm.
"In reality, I am practically a lonely man in the end."
He smiled. He actually smiled facing away; a broad one and the rarest expression which was unnatural and unfitting.
What's more, it was filled with sarcasm. His memories must have taken him on a journey into history. He must have recalled so much to become a man who he is standing here talking the unnecessary.
Then the man sighed loudly, shoved his hands in the pockets of his coat as the temperature in the room had turned chilly from the open door which was left unattended. The weather outside was freely let in when everyone was too caught up in the currently heated dispute.
Everyone was mainly silent, leaving the atmosphere to pile in its own tension after the Haruno's unanticipated confession.
"What was that?" Mikoto disbelievingly said. "Are you the same person I think you are, Haruno? Or are you growing senile that you've got no idea what you've just said?"
The elderly man turned to her with his returned expressionless features,
"I think I am."
The momentarily paused, long enough for him to take a breath and short enough to disable Mikoto to cut him short.
"There is a reason for my coming today and to say what I am about to doesn't make me a different man, not as open minded…yet."
He said in his low toned huskier voice he usual practices in speeches and official announcements. He regained his composure as the typical Haruno superior and impassive demeanor.
"Therefore, I officially nullify the boy as Haruno but an Uchiha,"
"And all that goes after him shall bear his name as well. Additionally," his shoes made clear clacks as he bodily turned to face the young rosette.
"If Sakura would like to take after his, I won't object."
It was…make believe.
The pink haired young lady could only stare in reaction at the elderly man before her. During that split moment, she was mindless; she couldn't think of any way to respond when she was too overwhelmed by surprise and a gush happiness that just hailed over her. It was a turbulent mix of emotions she failed to apprehend.
She was overjoyed.
Her grandfather…
This IS her grandfather after all.
She didn't know how to react or whatever expression she should display on her face. Which should it be? She was utterly confused that she became stoic. Above everything else, she never expected her cold grandfather to actually consider about other else's happiness; her happiness…
It was…Oh…
"Granddaddy…," she murmured to herself as she lowered her head.
Everything was so unpredictable that it completely ruined her plan. She didn't mean to gain so much happiness but she couldn't be any happier than this. She was thankful as well. It was all she wanted but…seeing things that they were now and the words she threw at Sasuke…
Sasuke-kun. What about him? Was he happy about it?
She couldn't bring herself to look at him; not when he was silent. What was his reaction? She wished to know, however, she was too guilty to even take a peek at his expression.
Why has it turned out to be this way?
"What are you planning, Haruno? What more do you want from my family?!"
The elder glanced over to the fuming woman; in gentle terms, he uttered,
"Happiness. It's their family now. Not yours. Not mine." He continued, "I thought it's time to keep ourselves happy as well by watching them. Don't you think, Mikoto?"
"You—!"
"THANK YOU! THANK YOU, GRANDDADDY!" Sasuke walked up to the Haruno man and bowed his utmost respect. "THANK YOU SO MUCH!"
He managed to cut Mikoto short and left her surprise stricken. Sakura watched him as he was before him. She observed his sincerity, his sheer joy adorns his face with a brilliant smile and most of all he would look over his shoulder hoping to see her happy face. She failed to give him one.
Her green eyes were staring and her eyebrows were curving indecisively, she felt. However, Sasuke was overly delighted to actually realize her distress and went back giving his gratitude to her grandfather instead; forgetting about anything and everything else except he knew he was happy. Happy to be with her.
So…
Sasuke-kun was happy after all, she smiled at heart.
His silence earlier frightened her; something like a malfunction? She chuckled at heart again at his child-like pureness as it was the most adorable fact about this man. Her man.
Ah…it wasn't so confusing after all.
It was all in her head after all.
She does love him after all.
So much after all.
"Hn. Don't thank me, if it weren't for that noisy butler I would be at a meeting during this hour," the Haruno elder coldly added.
Sakura was feeling light indeed. She was thankful. Very much.
Out of his schedule, for her sake, he had travelled hours in order to pronounce this matter of importance; it was so called important to him but to the rosette it was for a life time.
Sasori again; She really ought to thank him, no, she could not thank him enough. It was too much to thank him with only words. If only that scarlet male would want something in return, she wouldn't have her debts piling. And she knew what to give him for Christmas this year.
"Naïve boy. Naïve boy!" Mikoto scolded with dissatisfaction. "You are too naïve!"
"Give up, Mikoto. They were apart for ten years before they got married, do you know that?" he asked confidently at her still silence that she doesn't. "I bet you don't."
"I told you before I won't give up as easily after failure. I've failed far worse than this, this is nothing to me!"
"You can't understand Mikoto. You're too stubborn to and that was one of the things that caused your downfall."
"Shut up! Shut up! SHUT UP! RRRARGHH!"
The woman shrieked in terrible dissatisfaction, lost her elegance and began to swoop down anything she saw and toppled vulnerable furniture that was near her. Things went crashing and breaking onto the floor.
Sasuke wanted to stop her not when grandfather prevented him,
"Boy." The raven responded attentively. "Take Sakura out with you. The both of you needed to talk," subsequently, he turned to the female.
The rosette didn't return him with her gaze though she was listening. Sasuke also knew that she refused to look at him, purposefully she did. She had a lot in mind, her eyes that went darting aimlessly proves that she was innerly disturbed.
As grandfather said; they really need to talk.
"Sakura-chan."
He decided to call out to her without further hesitance. As ever she didn't show any reaction towards him and simply walked to the exit and out of the shop after his calling.
"Sasuke! Sasuke!" Mikoto tried calling out to the raven male who gave chase after the pinkette. "Sasuke! Wait!"
She wanted to tail him as well until she was prevented; obstructed by the Haruno man as he stepped in her path. She glared.
"Stop this! Stop getting before me!" she screamed, stomping her heels when her attempts to pass him failed.
It irritates the elderly Haruno and in his opinion, it was unsightly for a dignified woman to lose her composure and her uncontrolled temper. He was about to raise his voice at her not when he was a second too late,
"ENOUGH MIKOTO!"
A roaring voice which came from the back and it identified a familiar presence; the Haruno man spontaneously glanced over to the entrance to confirm his recognition. It was exactly as he expected.
"Fugaku!"
Mikoto quickly rushed over to the man sat in a wheelchair who arrived at the door. He wasn't looking pleased the moment he was present and he didn't warmly greet the woman next to him who was terribly concerned about his condition.
The man, Fugaku approached closer towards the Haruno who stood watching him advance. Kiba watched the scene and especially Laila, she too quickly tried to greet the man in the wheelchair but was ignored. Everyone was left into silence except the two men began to engage in a staring confrontation. It was mildly intense not in the worse way and it still had its hint of acquaintanceship.
"It has been…so long," the elderly Haruno initiated.
"It has been," replied Fugaku.
And again they began another round of silent staring.
This man of matching set of dark hair and eyes, his squared features that made his expression seem far less and despite that he has aged, did not alter who the man he is; Uchiha Fugaku. He changed nothing at all except for his disability, thought the Haruno at heart with a smirk.
Such a suited man as Mikoto's husband, the Haruno thought again amusingly.
"How were you, Fugaku?"
Mikoto wanted to retort at the elderly man's intentional question, she refrained at the glare of her husband.
"Well enough to live to see you again, friend," replied Fugaku.
Sakura was there.
Sasuke was there.
The both of them were stiff and silent ever since they entered a random ice-cream shop lead by the little female. He knew she was aimless the time when he tagged behind her before they ended up in a sweet shop which she wasn't too fond of.
Sakura was never a candy person aside from the sweet buns she came to like and only on occasions she would agree to sweets.
Ice-Cream Lounge
And there hung the fancy lighted sign of the shop; Sasuke was positive that they definitely came to the wrong stop. Sakura was confused after all and it wasn't too hard for him to tell.
Despite they shared the same table and sat face-to-face, they were only physically present. Sakura had much to think about. Sasuke peeked at her and she stared fixatedly at the table edge with a wandering mind.
There was a strain between them and it was growing out obviously. At this rate, he knew that she wouldn't be the one who would initiate a conversation. It would be awkward for her. Therefore as a man, he had to urge himself to take the opportunity while he could.
"Sorry for the wait. Here's your yogurt parfait and vanilla sundae."
At that right moment, the waitress interrupted and Sasuke clamped up once again. He cursed regretfully inside of him. It would take another chance to come by before he could start one. While he waited decided to watch the waitress did her work. She placed each dessert served in fancy glassware onto the table with care.
It was his first time around and he had to say that the place was rather vibrant; colourful furniture and fittings, music from a classic jukebox and there were few antique assets to decorate the shop in style.
It's a nice place to chill out, Sasuke briefly thought.
Especially there were many female waitresses in the shop's cute uniform with a cute frilled apron tied around their slender waists.
"Enjoy," the waitress said in high pitched sing-song voice with a smile after she was done.
Sasuke thanked with a short curt nod and the waitress smiled sweeter with a wink before she skipped away happily. He had to admit it was a heart-skipping moment and not an everyday thing. However he refrained from blushing when he noticed the opposite pinkette was actually watching. It was his bad.
Sakura quickly turned her gaze away, hiding her emeralds away from him and even when they accidentally collided, she would dart them away as quickly as possible. She refused to spare him any attention and played the cool character.
Although the atmosphere was vivacious, it could not shake off the presence of a heavy silence. Once again, they both left it to dominate them. Despite the presence of another opportunity to speak up, Sasuke couldn't draw upon his courage to initiate like he thought he could.
It was hard especially with the atmosphere between them that was crushing in; full of questions and doubts and uncertainties neither both of them had the will to step up first.
They were here to talk.
Still there was no conversation.
Sakura took the chance to watch her opposite partner when he wasn't looking, caught up in his own thoughts to notice her. He was fidgety and hesitant to strike up a proper conversation with her. Sooner or later they just have to start and she swore that it wouldn't be her to begin it.
Instead of making attempts to talk to her, the Uchiha raven decided to start off with his dessert laden on the table. But first he would clean both their spoons with clean serviette, rubbing his best off the silver cutlery shiny. A habit of his she admired pretty much. After he was done, he would first set hers back in place. Subsequently, he used his to scoop up nuts which topped her parfait.
She quietly observed; carefully, he removed each and every piece of kernel she disliked from her favourite parfait. Aside from sweet foods, she disagreed to nuts for she hated the feeling whenever they got stuck in her teeth.
And Sasuke remembered that.
She accidentally jerked in surprise when the opposite raven caught her staring and he courteously put up a smile for her. There was no way for her hide and it would be rude for her to avoid his direct gaze right now. She stared on, watched him as he gently slid her parfait closer to her. Lastly,
"Here."
He added his share of wafer she liked to her dessert.
The rosette stared at him with her petite brows arched unexpectedly. This raven remembered anything she said once and did everything without saying twice; she is his priority. She was saddened at the fact that she was mean to him before.
Shame on her to doubt him.
She continued to sit silently and her dessert was left untouched despite it began melt; she decided to observe the Uchiha instead. He did not hesitate on his vanilla ice-cream and crunched down nuts of hers, he didn't mind eating them for her even when walnuts weren't his favourite. He didn't mind at all.
"You don't have to…"
Finally, she gave into the urge to speak; in a whisper which was audible to gain the Uchiha's attention. Sasuke looked up from his meal.
"Oh, I don't mind," his carefree reply and continued to nibble onto those nuts.
"I mean you don't have to be so nice…," she said again.
Her statement made a pair of onyxes staring at her questionably and she heard him crunched off noisily in spite his lips were sealed as he stared. There was a lengthy pause; he waited until he was done chewing before he spoke up,
"Why shouldn't I?"
And what appropriate reply should she give?
For that second, she was dumbfound. Her mind was blank without proper functioning. She could hardly think when it wasn't her nature at all. With the way Sasuke was staring at her, she was utterly speechless.
She sighed.
It was the last thing to do. It was another way to prevent this conversation to end.
"I—"
"I am your husband." He said in clear crisp voice; confidently. "You don't have to push yourself to say anything you couldn't, Sakura-chan."
Sasuke interrupted her. He spoke her mind and she looked at him in disbelief and she was impressed. He smiled at her at the end.
"But if you want to say something to make you feel better, then say one thing."
He said again to her curiosity,
"Say you love me."
She was stunned, so stunned that she was out of means to function at all except widen her eyes.
"That is all I need to hear," he whispered tenderly.
She was listening, he could see. The sparkles of her green irises told him that she needed to hear more and that…was what he wanted. She would listen then he would say,
"I don't care what you were thinking,"
And,
"I don't care if you kept secrets from me,"
And,
"I don't care about the divorce. Because marriage is only an official binding by law with a signed piece of acknowledgement and a nuptial ceremony to tell the masses; it's nothing…"
But,
"I do care if you say you'll stop loving me."
He held a pause. Though he was merely whispering at the end, Sakura heard him. Despite the noise and music, she heard him well enough. And the couple exchanged glances after that.
"You know we are special."
The Uchiha began again.
"We should have braced that. But it seems I was naïve. I thought we could glide though hardships without bothering what others say and it just seems…impossible," he swallowed,
"I am not blaming you, Sakura-chan. I hate myself to be unable to give you the security you need."
No…That's not it, the pinkette started to form frown.
"I swore to the watching Heavens that I vowed to give my all to you. I did. I was just incapable to meet those expectations."
Sakura's frown deepened.
"Whatever I told you the other day about having a family was true. Never a lie I'd said. I really…really don't mind."
This is stupid. Stupid!
Sakura balled a fist where her nails dug into the flesh of her palm trying to free herself from overwhelming emotions. This man, how cruel of him to inflict her with words that only feed her guilt.
Stupid! Utterly stupid!
"If you really do hate me. If your feelings for me have died. Then there's no helping it." Finally, "I'll divorce…"
But.
"I'll cry...," a drop of tear escaped his eyes, "You know I'll cry."
Another…and another…and another…
He was serious and he meant to hurt her with more guilt she already bore. He had to be cruel to her so that she would wake up, take him lightly no more. Look at him in the eye, feel the pain of his tears and be guilty all over again.
"You know I'm hurt. You know you hurt me," said the Uchiha fighting the lump in his throat that made words painful.
His neck was becoming sore from suppressing his emotions. It feels as though it was hard and overfilled. He was sniffling from withheld tears and sentences were difficult to speak.
She must have thought he was exaggerating but…
He was truly hurt.
Sakura sat perfectly still and shut. She didn't spew a single word but only stare at him as if she didn't understand him. Expressionless, emotionless and heartless; she displayed those dull features that became so mocking.
She was listening. Those eyes told him. But there was no reaction.
It was a sign that she doubted him completely or perhaps she doubted her own self more.
Which was it?
Sasuke could no longer read.
"Our relationship is tough."
At long last, he managed to hear words from the rosy lips of the pinkette. Be it she was muttering, she mercilessly addressed their 'love' for a 'relationship' while staring in a random space of the tabletop than looking at the raven in the eye. It was after when she cleared her throat, she offered her attention to him with jaded eyes. She was exhausted with all this mental war and last night was restless; she was rather out of breath.
She slumped in her seat, feeling too weary to sit up right.
"S-Sakura-chan?"
Sasuke quickly rushed to her side the moment when the rosette didn't look too healthy; she was trying hard to catch her breath with paling skin that grew cold.
"Sakura-chan!"
The Uchiha began to panic as he recalled the similar situation he had with her when they attempted a chase.
It was fatigue and she was overly stressed. He didn't mean to do this to her and he grew too worried to prioritize the conversation they were had. It was silly talk. To him, nothing else matters!
Sasuke held his delicate lover; it would be appropriate for him to seek medical attention. He was terribly afraid if anything were to happen to her…he couldn't imagine the loss more than a divorce!
As long as she lives, anything will be fine!
The anxious Uchiha was about to lift the female into his arms but he stopped her. Sakura refused him in return she calmed him with her voice; assuring him that she was alright, nothing but being exceptionally tired.
He didn't want to believe her. However, her stubbornness got him won over.
As she rested her head against his chest, she spoke within her capability,
"I am not going to die…"
How cliché when she uttered those words in whisper and a sarcastic smirk.
"Don't say that. Don't ever say that!" he squeezed her small hand in hers.
He really didn't want to believe her and he could take her to someplace safer but she insisted on her refusal. Forcefully fought by grabbing his shirt, crumpled the fabric.
"I don't deserve this…I don't deserve you…Sasuke-kun…," she uttered.
"I never wanted a divorce. I don't care if it is an official binding by law with a signed piece of acknowledgement and a nuptial ceremony to tell the masses; it's not nothing, it's everything to me."
"You gave me so much but I can't give you anything," her brows knitted. "Heaven gave you the wrong person; He gave you…me."
Her voice grew smaller, whisperer and muffled when her tears showed up.
"But I was selfish. I wanted you all to myself, that's why I became more confused and selfish. I should be sorry…It was my fault…"
She cried in his chest.
They both shared their emotions.
It was a difficult relationship. Really.
They didn't care if anyone was watching their scene. They didn't care if it was shameful to cry in public. They didn't care if there were lurking paparazzi. They just cried between themselves.
They were tired. It was after all a long day…
Delicately in his arms, Sasuke carried his bride as they decided to head back to Brown's; their home. She was silent, too worn out to make a sound except her steady breathing and he made sure it was heard. She was like a lifeless marionette, her body laid limp in his embrace as she took time to rest.
Afraid he was and he could feel his veins that turned cold from the fear instilled from his rampant imaginations. Thinking about the unnecessary, about the pinkette; she may stay as the way she was and into eternal sleep. He was terrified.
The sound of that ringing horror had him shivering. He wouldn't want anything but that. Her pale features only escalated his fear even more to the point he forgot to walk.
"Sakura-chan. Sakura-chan. Sakura-chan."
At his third call, the rosette finally pried her eyes open. Drowsily she blinked then stared at him,
"Hn…?"
Her reaction wasn't something that could assure his fear. It wasn't assuring at all.
"Sakura-chan. Let's go to Orochimaru-sensei." It was a statement; he couldn't help becoming restless.
"Don't wanna…," she stubbornly uttered within limited capability. "I wanna go home, I'm hungry. I wanna eat sweet buns. I wanna eat chocolate deluxe cake. I wanna have strawberry ripple cheese cake."
She demanded bossily despite her condition. Even after she ate both her parfait and surprisingly his sundae as well, she requested for more sweets. Sasuke was curious of her abrupt development towards confectionary.
He nodded to her favour.
"Crazy, huh…," and she giggled to herself.
He nodded again.
They didn't talk more right after. She needs her rest and he carried on walking. It was peace between them despite travelling though the hustle and bustling city, the tranquility didn't leave. The world didn't seem too noisy and he heard nothing but his own heartbeat. He was truly at peace for he had love embraced in his arms. He wasn't assured and their conversation wasn't at its end.
However, there was a conclusion.
There always was.
Just so, fate's wheels spun around and round it went; it continued to spin endlessly for them.
When will it rest?
The raven male asked himself as he turned to look upon the clouded skies of grey. It won't rain, it was the time of the year to be as gloomy. But there was still sunlight to illuminate the world.
Sasuke wasn't too captivated by the natural phenomenon, he moved on when home wasn't too far away and he didn't look forward to return there. How he wished to keep this soothing sensation for a long, long time. It was a moment of nothingness.
The sharing silence was priceless, irreplaceable.
If they could return to the time when the world was only in its state of nothingness; no skyscapers, no money, no frustration, no war, no other people and they would be the Firsts.
If…
If…
If…
How he wished if he had a choice to write his own fate. And he will make it so that only Sakura would be in his book and there will only be happiness for them and there will only be them.
A selfish desire, huh? He smirked and imagined a chuckle; he wouldn't want to wake his resting beauty with another sound.
She was awake; with her eyes closed, she could still listen to the sounds of the world. His heartbeat? Could she hear that as well?
"Ah."
Gently, the pinkette opened her eyes at the sound of the gasping raven. Before she could ask, she quickly understood his astonished reaction.
Itachi; Sakura too confidently identified the ponytailed man standing at Brown's doorstep and beside him a silver haired man, Suigetsu. How long has it been since!
"B-Brother…!" Sasuke called as he rushed to the other Uchiha male's side with his pinkette.
It wasn't just him who could was surprised to see Itachi and Suigetsu; everyone had gathered in front of the shop. Kiba, Laila, grandfather Haruno, Mikoto and lastly, Fugaku. The man began exchange glances with Sasuke the moment they met; the raven boy had an intuition about who Fugaku may be, however, he had no intention to pursue into questions.
"I see you're well, Sakura-chan," Itachi smiled, wrinkling the sides of his eyes.
He retains a French accent in his speech as ever and he practically glued his eyes at the petite female, paying her his utmost attention than anyone else around, to Sasuke's notice and dislike.
"No, she—"
"Yes I am," the rosette cut in energetically and earned a stare from her jealous husband.
Itachi chuckled a bit. His presence made the atmosphere around him fade into light, fluffy feeling and the strained presence faded.
"Why are you here, Itachi!?" the pinkette immediately asked.
"I had an intuition," the older Uchiha began. "By the time I realized what I was doing, I boarded the plane," clueless, he shrugged his shoulders.
"I tried to stop him!" Suigetsu added grumpily. He was never the happy sort.
"And what makes your intuition drag you all the way here?" Sakura continued, curious.
"I don't know. I thought I should just…stop by for a while," said in carefree manner Itachi shrugged again;
"Intuition?"
Alright that's all for this chapter and I have to admit I am getting excited over here over the next chapter!
Why?
Because, well, I can only promise half of this and I hope that it will be that the next chapter shall be THE FINAL one!
I have been so waiting for this myself and I am eager to write, hopefully I can submit an update as soon as possible too. Make this story a final close with loads of sweetness!
And.
SPECIAL THANKS to sakura407 for the Ending contribution! :D